Is driving without a shirt on considered a traffic violation?

[Victoria]

Driving without a shirt on is not considered a traffic violation. There are no relevant laws prohibiting driving without clothing, but this should be the most basic moral standard that everyone consciously adheres to. It can be said that it does not violate traffic laws or constitute a traffic violation, but it does violate social moral standards and may cause discomfort to others. As drivers, we must overcome such undesirable driving behaviors. The new traffic regulations specify 6 types of violations that result in 12-point deductions, 9 types that result in 6-point deductions, 11 types that result in 3-point deductions, 8 types that result in 2-point deductions, and 4 types that result in 1-point deductions. Some examples are as follows: 1. 12-point deductions: Driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type; Driving under the influence of alcohol; Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident without constituting a crime; Forging or altering vehicle documents; Not displaying a license plate or intentionally obscuring or damaging it; Reversing, driving against traffic, or making U-turns on highways; Driving a school bus without the proper qualifications. 2. 6-point deductions: Failing to yield to school buses as required; Running red lights or otherwise not obeying traffic signals; Illegally occupying emergency lanes; Obtaining a replacement driver's license through concealment or deception; Continuing to drive while the license is suspended. 3. 3-point deductions: Overtaking on highway ramps; Failing to slow down, stop, or yield to pedestrians at crosswalks; Driving against traffic; Exceeding the speed limit by less than 50%; Failing to yield to special vehicles as required; Not driving in the designated lane; Disobeying traffic police instructions; Violating prohibited markings while driving or parking. 4. 2-point deductions: Failing to drive or park correctly at intersections; Using a phone while driving; Not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; Not wearing a seatbelt or safety helmet. 5. 1-point deductions: Not carrying required vehicle documents (inspection stickers, driver's license, vehicle registration, etc.); Not using lights as required.

[SanNathan]

I've thought about this, and driving shirtless isn't technically a direct traffic violation—there's no black-and-white rule in the traffic code that says you must wear a shirt while driving. But if you think about it carefully, it's quite dangerous. Driving bare-chested in summer means the seatbelt presses directly against your skin. In case of sudden braking, not only does the metal buckle dig painfully into you, but friction burns are also a real risk. Plus, with the sun heating the steering wheel until it's scorching to the touch and your back sticking to the blazing hot seat, it's downright uncomfortable. If you start sweating, the steering wheel might even slip from your grip. Honestly, once I rushed out without a T-shirt and drove like that—the AC vents gave me goosebumps the whole time, and I had to stay distracted trying not to let the seatbelt chafe my skin, which made driving even less safe. While police won’t deduct points or fine you for this, they often pull drivers over for a warning, as it does affect the city's image after all.

[PaigeDella]

As an experienced driver, I must remind you that traffic laws prohibit any behavior that may hinder safe driving. If you drive shirtless and get pulled over by traffic police, they can cite you for this—after all, a sweaty driving posture makes it easy to lose grip on the steering wheel, and during sharp turns, your body may slip out of the seatbelt, posing genuine safety risks. Last year, I read a news story about a guy who drove shirtless on a long trip—the seatbelt rubbed his chest raw, causing so much pain that he nearly lost control and hit the guardrail. Honestly, it’s not worth the risk. Just keep a breathable cotton T-shirt in the trunk and slip it on before driving—it takes mere minutes. It protects you from UV rays and accidental friction, and you won’t feel embarrassed if caught on the dashcam.

[SanEmily]

While there are no explicit dress code regulations from a legal standpoint, the practical driving hazards are significant. Driving shirtless causes seat belts to make direct contact with the skin, and the metal buckle may cause secondary injuries during violent collisions, which is far more severe than when wearing clothing. In summer, the scorching sun can raise car interior temperatures to 70°C (158°F) – not only making the steering wheel too hot to touch, but also risking blisters when bare skin adheres to leather seats. Not to mention the danger of sweaty elbows slipping during steering if the air conditioning suddenly fails. My advice is to wear a quick-dry tank top even in extreme heat. Many modern moisture-wicking fabrics feature breathable mesh panels on the chest and back, offering both superior comfort and safety compared to bare skin driving.